1966, University entrance qualification, adult education; studied for a degree in Social Work, Düsseldorf Polytechnic. 1985, student of law, qualified as a lawyer. 1977-1979, social worker, youth correctional facility, Berlin-Tegel; since 1979, Member, West Berlin Alternative List; Chairwoman, Alliance 90/The Greens Group during the Red-Green Coalition in Berlin; Member, Berlin Senate; Spokeswoman, Legal Policy; Chairwoman, Alliance 90/The Greens Group; since 2000, National Chairwoman, Alliance 90/The Greens.